Given the urgent need to bring about a new energy future and reduce global warming pollution, President Obama created the position of Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change. The President has directed her to coordinate the work of multiple Cabinet level agencies on climate change and the creation of clean energy and clean energy jobs that are essential for long-term economic growth. Her power and influence relies primarily on persuasion and in communicating to the federal agencies decisions of the President.

The amendment to the Interior-Environment appropriations bill by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) would cut off funding for any action that an agency directed by the Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change undertook. The goal was to weaken the President’s energy and climate advisor and throw into question the legality of the implementation of the President’s energy and climate agenda.